Anycubic Photon Mono 4 vs Bambu Lab P1S
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Anycubic Photon Mono 4 ($159, RESIN) and Bambu Lab P1S ($449, FDM) use fundamentally different technologies. FDM melts filament layer by layer; resin cures liquid with UV light. Here's how they stack up.
Our Verdict
The Bambu Lab P1S takes the crown with 9/10 vs 7.4/10. It pulls ahead in Beginner Friendliness, Print Quality, Speed, Reliability. That said, the Anycubic Photon Mono 4 saves you $290 and wins on Value.
Direct answer
Bambu Lab P1S is the better pick for most buyers.
Choose Bambu Lab P1S if you want the stronger overall score, better fit for engineering and abs, and the safer recommendation. Choose Anycubic Photon Mono 4 only if its specific strengths matter more to you than the overall result.
Winner by buyer type
Best overall
Bambu Lab P1S
Best value
Anycubic Photon Mono 4
Best build volume
Bambu Lab P1S
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Anycubic Photon Mono 4 | Bambu Lab P1S |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $159 | $449 |
| Type | RESIN | FDM |
| Build Volume | 134 x 75 x 130 mm | 256 x 256 x 256 mm |
| Print Speed | 100 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.01 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 5 kg | 14.13 kg |
| Overall Score | 7.4/10 | 9/10 |
Pros & Cons
Anycubic Photon Mono 4
+$159 is the lowest you'll pay for 10K resolution resin printing
+Compact enough to fit on a shelf with the build plate folded
+10K resolution prints minis that genuinely impress non-printers
−134x75mm build plate: barely fits more than two minis at once
−USB-only workflow, no WiFi at any price point in this tier
−Slow: 100mm/hr means longer overnight print sessions
Bambu Lab P1S
+HEPA filter actually handles ABS fumes, not just PLA smell
+CoreXY at 500mm/s inside an enclosed chamber
+Reliability track record is as good as anything at this price
+AMS multi-material works without the constant jams you get on cheaper systems
−$449 without AMS, which adds another $100-150 on top
−Enclosure lid has to come off to reach prints mid-job
−P1P owners considering an upgrade: this is it, but it stings
Who Should Buy Which?
Choose the Anycubic Photon Mono 4 if you want:
- A great printer for miniatures
- A great printer for resin
- A great printer for budget
- 10K mono LCD
- Laser-cut build plate
- USB
Choose the Bambu Lab P1S if you want:
- A great printer for engineering
- A great printer for abs
- A great printer for enclosed
- Enclosed
- Multi-material (AMS)
- WiFi
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Anycubic Photon Mono 4 better than the Bambu Lab P1S?
By the numbers, the Bambu Lab P1S scores higher (9/10). But "better" depends on your use case, the Anycubic Photon Mono 4 may be the smarter buy if you need miniatures.
Which is better for beginners, Anycubic Photon Mono 4 or Bambu Lab P1S?
The Bambu Lab P1S is more beginner-friendly (8/10 vs 6/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Bambu Lab P1S worth $290 more than the Anycubic Photon Mono 4?
The Bambu Lab P1S scores higher overall (9/10 vs 7.4/10). The extra $290 gets you hepa filter actually handles abs fumes, not just pla smell.
What's the main difference between Anycubic Photon Mono 4 and Bambu Lab P1S?
Technology: the Anycubic Photon Mono 4 is RESIN (filament) and the Bambu Lab P1S is FDM (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.